A series of explosions on March 15 caused fatalities in villages outside Tirana, Albania’s capital, as crews worked to destroy excess ammunition stockpiled during the country’s communist past. After the explosion, shrapnel and shell fragments rained down on homes and cars. According to CNN.com, at least 15 people were killed and nearly 300 injured in the army depot blasts; many others remain missing. Additionally, more than 2,000 homes and businesses were damaged. The first blast was heard some 120 miles away in Skopje, Macedonia. As ammunitions continued to explode, authorities evacuated thousands from the surrounding area.
Sadly, many TWR listeners have been injured or killed as a result of the explosions. According to TWR-Albania’s Executive Director Enkelejda Kumaraku, several of their lives are at great risk. “A few children that were part of our Christmas outreach lost their lives in the explosion,” she added. “Please pray for our team that is so emotionally hurt with losing these kids. We know they are with the Lord, but it’s painful to know the horrible death they had. Please pray for the children’s families, especially their mothers who have had tried to commit suicide several times.”
In the midst of such tragedy, TWR-Albania is part of an effort to bring hope to those in the country who are hurting. “Christian media in Albania is bringing a different perspective on this very painful situation,” said Kumaraku. “Reporting and at the same time comforting people’s hearts, Albanian Christian media is giving to the listeners the message of God as our refuge in difficulties. In a desperate situation where hundreds lost loved ones, thousands lost homes and millions were shocked by the footage, Albanian Christian media is giving hope for the future.”
Hundreds of listeners sent text messages with prayer requests to FM stations that air Project Hannah’s Prayer Calendar on Air program, a production of TWR’s Albanian partner Gospel Waves. “The staff and volunteers became one with our suffering listeners, crying with them and sharing the hope of Christ,” said Kumaraku. “Speakers are asking many others to support their brothers and sisters in prayer in this very difficult situation and to submit ourselves to God.”
UPDATE: 3/19/08
Thank you for your prayers. All family of staff members were found. They are traumatized and injured, but alive.
One of the children for whom we have been praying was found alive after three days in the ruins of his house. He is traumatized, but his life is not in danger. Please continue to pray for him as he lost his mother and a few relatives.
UPDATE: 3/18/08
Gospel Waves and its partners, Hope for Albania, Radio 7 and Word of Life church, are working to build hope in the ruins of fear and desperation. Having twice before conducted a Christmas outreach attended by more than 2,000 children, teachers and parents, and giving gifts to poor children in the area, they are now returning to share Christ’s love and hope. “We tell them we are there to cry with them and help them see a better future above the ruins of their houses and the pain of losing family and friends,” said Kumaraku.
Pastor Gentian Proseku added: “The most difficult part after the tragedy is not building the homes of people that lost everything, but build in their hearts hope for the future.”
These four partners are planning to distribute clothes and other necessities for those who have lost homes. “We want to show our love not just with our words through the radio, but through our deeds, too,” said Kumaraku. “Any support is much needed and appreciated.”
Prayer Points:
- Please pray for TWR-Albania staff members who have relatives listed as missing. Please pray that they will be found safe.
- Uplift TWR-Albania board member and pastor Gentian Proseku and his family, whose home was destroyed. He stayed to help the people of the village, offering transportation even though it put his own life at risk. Images on Albanian TV and CNN were from his camera.
- Pray for TWR-Albania staff members who are hosting and caring for injured relatives whose houses got destroyed. With no room in the hospital, most are receiving medical care at home. Pray as they share the gospel with them and try to comfort their hearts.
- Pray for local government officials as they work among the people during this time of shock and emergency.